News

"The 55th Wing is Excellent"

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Peter R.O. Danielson
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Hundreds of Airmen spent their weekend sweating,  both literally inside individual protective equipment and figuratively over details, during the 55th Wing's Phase II Operational Readiness Inspection here Sept. 10 - 16.

Wing slogans such as "It's game time" and "Rock the ACC/IG team" rushed through heads covered by Kevlar helmets. Hearts covered by flak jackets beat with excitement as simulated missile attacks crashed around the various exercise play areas.

During the scenario, the 55th Wing launched multiple aerial reconnaissance sorties with more than 600 support personnel and aircrews from a simulated forward operating area. The Airmen of the 55th demonstrated flexibility during the unpredictability of current joint force operations.

Air Combat Command's inspector general team arrived Sept. 11 with scripted events designed to test local forces. From mortar and missile attacks to enemy defectors, Offutt Airmen were challenged with situations that needed quick-thinking and insight.

"During this inspection, we noticed a tremendous sense of pride, which dramatically influenced the wing's ability to perform in war," said Col. Leonard Moskal, the IG team chief.

With strained eyes peering through foggy plastic gas masks, warrior Airmen focused on three things: urgency, awareness and excellence.

"I greatly appreciate the hard work put forward by all of our Airmen, and I'd like to thank everyone for making this ORI successful," said Brig. Gen. John N.T. Shanahan, 55th Wing commander.

General Shanahan said that he was very impressed with the way the wing performed, particularly how it adapted to initial challenges.
 
In the end, the 55th Wing received an overall "excellent" rating, which is a reflection of the wing's deployment readiness.

"Passing is the goal, but excellent is a step above," said General Shanahan.

The rating speaks for itself, as a direct result of the Airmen's teamwork, preparation, professionalism and good attitudes in spite of being challenged, he said.

"We were extremely impressed with the proficiency and professionalism that the wing showed us," said Colonel Moskal. "We would be proud to go to war with you, anytime and anywhere."

"Thank you from the Fightin' Fifty-Fifth," General Shanahan told the IG team. "You've helped us prepare for the fight of tomorrow. See you in 36 months!"
ORI Superior Performers

Capt. Tiffany Behr, 338th Combat Training Squadron
Capt. Donald E. Hudson, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Capt. Lisa A. Jording, 55th Operational Support Squadron
Capt. Joel B. Lofgren, 55th Wing Legal Office
Capt. Larry L. Rochat, 55th Maintenance Squadron
Capt. Jody B. Strong, 38th Reconnaissance Squadron
1st Lt. Kimberly L. Hemelstrand, 55th Operational Support Squadron
Master Sgt. Michael A. King, 55th Maintenance Squadron
Tech Sgt. Jason R. Pennington, 55th Strategic Communications Squadron
Tech Sgt. Eugene M. Skidmore, 55th Wing Command Post
Staff Sgt. Rebekah A. Boe, 55th Medical Operations Squadron
Staff Sgt. Jesse C. Bradley, 55th Wing Legal Office
Staff Sgt. Jessica M. Clark, 55th Medical Operations Squadron
Staff Sgt. David I. Dawson, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Staff Sgt. Chad E. Hall, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
Staff Sgt. Waylon B. Owens, 55th Force Support Squadron
Staff Sgt. Shane A. Starkey, 55th Maintenance Squadron
Staff Sgt. John C. Terlaje, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

ORI Superior Performance Teams

55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Post-Attack Reconnaissance Team, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
55th Medical Group Deployed Medical Facility Security Team, 55th Medical Group
55th Maintenance Group, Group Control Center Team, 55th Maintenance Group
55th Maintenance Squadron Post-Attack Reconnaissance Team, 55th Maintenance Squadron
55th Operations Group Tiger Team, 55th Operations Group
Crew of SNOOP94, 343rd Emergency Rescue Squadron
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility Team, 55th Operational Support Squadron